Parents influence instrument choice

Editor's note: This is the final story of a three-part series on Eastern New Mexico University music students' recitals.

A friend convinced Brittley Bates to join band in middle school. She chose the flute because it was one of the instruments that her parents played in high school.

"I really fell in love with it when I got into high school," said Bates, a native of Hobbs. "I actually got to play harder music and all that stuff, and I really fell in love with it."

Jillian Holbert: Portales News-Tribune

Brittley Bates rehearses for her flute recital with her accompanist, Sarah Sena, in Buchanan Hall.

The Eastern New Mexico University senior is gearing up for her flute recital Saturday at Buchanan Hall.

In addition to playing a traditional flute, Bates plays the alto flute, a variation on the instrument that starts on a lower note. Where the flute is pitched at middle C, the alto flute is pitched at the G note below middle C.

For her recital, Bates will be performing pieces from the baroque and romantic musical eras as well as a piece from ENMU student composer Franklin Piland. According to Piland, his piece, "The Island," was influenced by Irish-folk music and will feature the flute as well as a brass and percussion section.

"When most composers write music, they write for an individual or they're thinking of that person in their head," Piland said. "So it becomes a very personal connection between the composer and performer."

Bates said there is a lot that goes into preparing for a recital. She had to perform her recital at a hearing for three professors, who decided whether or not she could go forward with her performance.

"The most stressful part is the hearing because your recital is in the hands of those in the panel," said Bates.

After she was approved at the hearing, Bates had to decide on what food to make for her post-recital reception, get her posters and programs together, and figure out how to pay her accompanist.

Although Bates is a senior this year, she still has another year of school to go in order to finish her double major in history and music education; her dual passions. Bates hopes to one day teach history and music in a secondary education setting.

FYI

What: Brittley Bates' flute recital

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: ENMU's Buchanan Hall in the Music Building